Modular personal audio device

Abstract

A modularization system for personal audio devices. The personal audio device is divided into four required modules: 1) a mount ( 101 ), 2) an audio core ( 102 ), an audio IO set ( 103 ), and a remote control ( 104 ). Auxiliary modules ( 105 ) (e.g., a battery module, a memory module) are also available, but not required.

1 . An audiocore module for a modular personal audio device, comprising: 
 a set of electronic components able to provide the core functionality of one or more personal audio applications,    a first means for securely mounting said audiocore module on a mount module that allows said audiocore module to be quickly and easily mounted on or unmounted from said mount module by a user,    a first electrical connector which will mate with a corresponding electrical connector on said mount module when said audiocore module is mounted, and which is able to communicate audio and control information between said audiocore module and other external modules,    whereby said audiocore module is able to provide the core functionality for said modular personal audio device,    whereby said modular personal audio device can be rapidly reconfigured by said user in order to adapt to the requirements of said user's current stance, situation and stylistic desires.    
   
   
       2 . The audiocore module of  claim 1 , wherein said audiocore module is able to be mounted on a necklace mount module.  
   
   
       3 . The audiocore module of  claim 1 , wherein said set of electronic components provide the function of mobile telephony.  
   
   
       4 . The audiocore module of  claim 1 , wherein said set of electronic components provide the function of playback of recorded audio-files.  
   
   
       5 . An mount module for a modular personal audio device, comprising: 
 a base structure on which the other elements are arranged, and which is designed to provide a useful base form for a user's current stance, situation and stylistic desires,    a receptacle which securely holds an audiocore module, and which allows said audiocore module to be easily mounted on or unmounted from said mount module by said user,    a first electrical connector which will mate with a corresponding electrical connector on said audiocore module when said audiocore module is mounted,    a set of electrical wires which connects to said first electrical connector, which allows communication of audio and control information,    whereby said mount module provides a basic physical structure for said modular personal audio device,    whereby said modular personal audio device can be rapidly reconfigured by said user in order to adapt to the requirements of said user's current stance, situation and stylistic desires.    
   
   
       6 . The mount module of  claim 5 , wherein said base structure is wearable, whereby said modular personal audio device can be carried and used in a predominantly hands-free manner.  
   
   
       7 . The mount module of  claim 6 , wherein said base structure is designed to be worn on the upper body of said user, whereby a wire connection to an audio input-output unit may be kept relatively short.  
   
   
       8 . The mount module of  claim 7 , wherein said base structure has the form of a necklace, and which allows a microphone to be placed near the throat, and allows a set of earphones to be attached at the nape of the neck, whereby the weight of said mount module and said audiocore module can be easily supported by said user, and whereby said set of earphones can be stored in an unobtrusive and easy to access location.  
   
   
       9 . The mount module of  claim 7 , wherein said base structure has the form of a string tie, and which allows a microphone to be placed near the throat, and which allows a set of earphones to be attached at the nape of the neck, whereby the weight of said mount module and said audiocore module can be easily supported by said user, and whereby said set of earphones can be stored in an unobtrusive and easy to access location.  
   
   
       10 . The mount module of  claim 7 , wherein said base structure takes the form of a vest.  
   
   
       11 . The mount module of  claim 7 , wherein said base structure takes the form of an armband.  
   
   
       12 . The mount module of  claim 5 , wherein said base structure is minimal, and is designed to slide into pocket on an item of clothing in a way that allows said item of clothing to act as a wearable mount.  
   
   
       13 . The mount module of  claim 5 , wherein said base structure has the form of a mobile phone handset, and further including: a display, a set of controls, an audio input-output set, whereby said mount module adapts said modular personal audio device to a form factor that may be readily carried on said user's person as a single unit.  
   
   
       14 . The mount module of  claim 5 , wherein said base structure has the form of a stationary, off-person device, and further including: a display, a set of controls, an audio input-output set, whereby said mount module adapts said modular personal audio device to situations where said user is in a relatively fixed location and cannot or does not want to wear said modular personal audio device.  
   
   
       15 . A method of adapting a personal audio device to a user's varying stance, and stylistic and functional needs, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of audio core modules, which enclose the core electronic components required to support one or more personal audio applications, where different audio core modules provide different personal audio applications or different combinations of personal audio applications,    providing a plurality of mount modules, which allow said audio core modules to be securely held, and which provide wired electrical connections between said audio core modules and other modules, where different mount modules are designed to provide stylistic variation, or to be worn or carried in different ways by said user,    providing a plurality of audio input-output modules, which may be connected by wire or wirelessly to said audio core modules, where different audio input-output modules are designed to provide stylistic variation, or to be worn or carried in different ways by said user,    providing a plurality of remote control modules, which provide audio and visual control of the functions of said audio core modules, and which may be connected by wire or wirelessly to said audio core modules, where different remote control modules are designed to provide stylistic variation, or to be worn or carried in different ways by said user, or to provide different degrees of control over and display of the functions of said audio core modules,    providing a plurality of integrated modules, which combine the functions of mount modules, audio input-output modules, and remote control modules,    selecting an audio core module, and an integrated module, or a mount module, an audio input-output module and one or more remote control modules, so that when combined, the selected modules will form a complete personal audio device, and will be well adapted to the requirements of said user's current stance, situation and stylistic desires,    combining the selected modules.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of audio core includes modules that provide the function of mobile telephony.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of audio core includes modules that provide the function of playback of recorded audio-files.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of mount modules includes mounts configured as necklace mounts, string tie mounts, slip mounts, armband mounts, handset mounts, and stationary mounts.